Director of Academic Operations

Job description

Job Title: Director of Academic Operations

Reporting Relationship: Dean (SILD)

Unit: National & Global

Department: School of Integrated Learning & Development - IWU National & Global

Campus Location: NGM Building, Marion, IN

Summary of Position: The Director of Academic Operations supports the Dean by providing operational leadership for the School of Integrated Learning and Development (SILD) and coordinating the school’s day-to-day academic and administrative operations. The Director serves as a primary liaison between SILD and other National & Global (N&G) and IWU departments. The Director ensures that school-level academic processes, policies, and approved program changes are implemented consistently and effectively. Responsibilities include oversight and coordination of licensure and regulatory compliance; clinical experiences and placements; academic calendars and program information; curriculum and program-change implementation; partnerships; Concurrent Education; STEP-UP/apprenticeship initiatives; and other assigned school-level projects. The Director supervises the school's Assistant Directors and Academic Program Managers and provides secondary supervision for other office staff as assigned. The Director oversees onboarding for faculty and staff as needed; investigates and mediates escalated student concerns; represents SILD and/or the Dean in institutional meetings and on operational matters as delegated; and provides the Dean with operational information, analysis, and support for decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide operational leadership for the School of Integrated Learning and Development (SILD): Coordinate the School’s day-to-day academic and administrative operations and establish operational priorities

Supervise Assistant Directors and Academic Program Managers and provide secondary supervision for other office staff as assigned

Oversee onboarding and training for faculty and staff as needed

Identify operational issues, risks, and opportunities and coordinate solutions with the Dean and appropriate University offices

Oversee academic operations, program compliance, and student-related processes: Oversee licensure and regulatory requirements to support program compliance and candidate eligibility

Coordinate clinical experiences, field placements, and student teaching in collaboration with the Office of Clinical Experiences and academic programs

Oversee school-level program processes, including admission reviews, eligibility questions, and exceptions

Investigate and mediate escalated student matters, including petitions, grade changes, academic appeals, admission reviews, dismissals, and suspensions

Coordinate implementation of institutional, academic, school, and regulatory policies and procedures within SILD

Oversee program information, curriculum implementation, and academic processes: Maintain accurate program information, including catalog information, program requirements, cost sheets, academic calendars, marketing materials, and course sequencing

Coordinate the operational implementation of approved curriculum and program changes

Work with curriculum management, academic leadership, and operational departments to ensure changes are implemented accurately and consistently

Coordinate school-level academic calendars, program requirements, and other operational processes that support candidate progression

Oversee strategic programs and external partnerships: Oversee all aspects of the Concurrent Education Program, including partnerships, MOUs, course offerings, faculty support, enrollment, invoicing, curriculum alignment, grade submissions, and partner communication

Develop, support, and maintain relationships with school districts, PLS, and other external organizations

Support STEP-UP and apprenticeship-related partnerships and program operations

Coordinate MOUs and other partnership-related operational requirements

Serve as an IWU/SILD liaison with external partners and troubleshoot partnership and program issues

Serve as a key operational advisor and representative for the Dean and SILD: Serve as a primary liaison between SILD and other IWU and N&G departments

Represent SILD and/or the Dean in institutional meetings and cross-functional operational discussions as assigned

Act within delegated authority and coordinate follow-through on decisions and action items

Gather and analyze operational, program, and enrollment information to support decision-making

Coordinate school-level projects and strategic initiatives assigned by the Dean

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education

Master's degree or higher in an education-related, higher education, leadership, administration, or related field preferred

Experience

Minimum of three (3) years' experience in academic operations, higher education administration, supervision, project management, or a related area

Experience working in higher education or an education-related environment preferred

Experience supervising employees and coordinating complex projects across organizational units preferred

Experience with academic programs, educator preparation, licensure/regulatory compliance, or student services preferred

Required Skills

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with colleagues who represent a diversity of work and conflict resolution styles

Excellent organizational skills and ability to set priorities in a multi-task environment

Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, people-centered environment requiring frequent and ongoing verbal and written communication with faculty, staff, students, university leadership, and other internal and external stakeholders

Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills

Ability to deal with diverse personalities and complex situations professionally

Accuracy and attention to detail with the ability to maintain confidential information

Demonstrated ability to compose correspondence, reports, and documents with minimal direction and at a high level of proficiency

Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet programs, project management software, learning management systems, and Internet-based systems

Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment within delegated authority

Strong problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and decision-making skills

Ability to lead cross-functional operational work and manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously

Self-starter with the ability to anticipate operational needs and follow projects through to completion

IWU Kingdom Diversity Statement

IWU, in covenant with God's reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical principles of our historic Wesleyan tradition, commits to build a community that reflects Kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment for living, teaching and learning, which exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member's earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement that exhibits Christ's commandment to love all humankind.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Advertised: 08 Sep 2026 US Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 11 Oct 2026 US Eastern Daylight Time

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Worksite address

indiana, PA, 15705, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.